Customer Reviews (6)

great info
This book was exactly what I was looking for. I found my answers. The book was new and arrived fast.

Excellent Read
Good book for anyone, Christian or not.
Well written theology on the Methodist religion.

When are they gonna show up?
I have read a number of introductions to the Methodist Church/doctrine/history type books, and I really think that "Meet the Methodists" may be the worst one.I didn't find much in it that clearly represented any Methodist beliefs as they are taught by Wesley and the Church.What I did find was a sort of fuzzy Liberal American Protestantism that has little to do with the mainstream of Wesleyanism.You would do much better to read "John Wesley's Message Today" by Lovett Weems Jr. OR "Eight Life-Enriching Practices of United Methodists" by Henry H. Knight IIIOR "A Pocket Story of John Wesley" by Charles A. Sauer (that last one is more like a glorified pamphlet but it is a very good concise introduction to the Wesleyan revival).

You won't meet anyone!
As an active Methodist, a devotee of John Wesley, and a reader of many tomes on this denomination, I found this book poor on almost every score.You won't get to know any great Methodists well from this book.You also won't learn much about Methodist doctrine.

You will get a watered-down, highly liberal slant on what the United Methodist Church is up to today, with a little skewed history tossed in.If that's what you want, order it.If you want to find out about Wesley, order a biography or his own writings instead.If you want to learn about Methodist Doctrine, read the nice little volume of that title by Campbell.

Sharp Little Book
This is an excellent introduction to the history and beliefs of Methodism.For anyone who wants a good introduction to John Wesley and the Methodists, this is it. I've used it to teach new-member classes and have found it to be very helpul! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Don't forget the subtitle!
The United Methodist Hymnal is, in my opinion, one of the best worship resources you can own.It contains hundreds and hundreds of hymns, far more than many other hymnals that I own or have used.But this is more than a Hymnal: it contains Prayers, liturgies, Scripture selections (including 100 of the Psalms) affirmations of Faith and Creeds and so much more.The subtitle is "The Book of United Methodist Worship" and that is exactly what this is: a very useful worship book.You will find it useful not only in public worship but in private prayer and devotion as well.The indexes are very useful as well - you can look up songs, hymns, prayers, and chants, by title, or by subject, by tune name, or even by scripture references.The prayers and liturgies reflect some of the best of English language and are very much in keeping with the "Common Prayer Book" tradition of the Anglican Church out of which the Methodist movement was born.The collection of hymns is wonderful!There are so many and they are fairly diverse: traditional hymns; modern ecumincal ('catholic') hymns; some 'ethnic' hymns; and more good ole' evangeical 'revival' hymns than you can shake a stick at.Of course all of the hymns, prayers, Creeds and liturgies are thick with theology and are useful for anyone who wants to get a feel for Christianity as it is practiced by Methodists as well.This is a wonderful resource for public and private worship and I can't say enough about it!Every Methodist ought to have one - right next to his Bible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Primer for the UMC Book of Discipline
This book was helpful while trudging through the UMC Book of Discipline 2000. (The 2004 is now available.)It helped to spot problems, provided some history, and pointed to possible future difficulties.If you must read and understand the UMC Book of Discipline, this book can be a simple way to start.

Its usefulness is limited to UMC clergy and lay leaders.If you need to learn your way around the heirarchy and the bureaucracy, this is a place to start.Another book to consider is "The Organization of the United Methodist Church" by Jack Tuell. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

For Learning or Teaching
This speaks of the roots, sacramental views, and the general theological foundations of the United Methodist Church.While the author does use theological terminology and "church-ese" in the book, everything is pretty well explained.

Stokes suggests it be read individually or in groups and it's great that he includes discussion questions in the back of the book. I actually used this book as a guide to teach my congregation more about what it meant to be a United Methodist Church.

This book can easily be adapted for lecture-style teaching and the questions included by the author made for good discussion in small-group and large-group settings.I even had youth asking questions and having discussion with each other and adults about topics throughout this book.

It's a good read for anyone who wants to learn about or have a clearer understanding of the United Methodist Church and its beliefs.

A must read for all United Methodist
Gave me a greater understanding in worship and gave me a renewed sense ofvitality in my worship experience. Well written and easy to understand ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A great primer of Wesleyan theology
I just finished "Basic United Methodist Beliefs: An Evangelical View".It is not so much about the UMC as a primer on John Wesley.It is a compilation of essays from "Good News" and also containsWesley's "The Character of a Methodist" in updated language.Itis really good!It is set up with a study guide at teh end of each chapterthat would make this a great book for Sunday school or in introduction toMethodism class. ... Read more

Product Description
Written in a humorous, accessible style, Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt will help any United Methodist youth or adult understand his or her brand of Christianity in light of the understandings of those from the evangelical tradition. With sidebars explaining United Methodist history and polity and questions after each chapter, this book is ideal for Christian education courses for youth and adults, new member classes, as well as personal reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The How and Why of Youth Ministry
This handbook has a wealth of practical information for adults who workwith youth in local churches.It not only includes many ideas on how toorganize and structure your ministry with youth, but reminds us why we takethe time to assist youth in their faith journeys.Chapter Four has anespecially helpful "Web of Discipleship" which guides you inevaluating your youth in relationship to their Christian development.Thenit goes on to describe how to relate to and work with youth in each area ofthe web.Other chapters include leadership issues, check-lists forretreats, having a vision, and many other practical areas.This book isuseful for the beginner, the experienced, and everyone in-between!Ihighly recommend it to you! ... Read more

Book Description
An important new study of the life and ministry of the Anglican minister and Evangelical leader Charles Wesley (1707-88) which examines the often-neglected contribution made by John Wesley's younger brother to the early history of the Methodist movement. Charles Wesley's importance as the author of classic hymns like `Love Divine' and `O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing' is well known, but his wider contribution to Methodism, the Church of England and the Evangelical Revival has been overlooked. Gareth Lloyd presents a new appraisal of Charles Wesley based on his own papers and those of his friends and enemies. The picture of the Revival that results from a fresh examination of one of Methodism's most significant leaders offers a new perspective on the formative years of a denomination that today has an estimated 80 million members worldwide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good for Beginners
This text is a good book for the novice United Methodist or new students to religious studies.The book is comprised of thought from four leading writers.

Gonzalez's opening chapter on Bible studying in the Early Church is well prepared and clearly instructive.Witherington offers, his usual, astute and well-researched analysis of the Wesley's and Asbury's (one wonders if his Watson analysis is necessary) use and study of Scripture.

Tilson's chapter 3 keeps this book from gaining the 5th star.His "contemporary approach" is too cerebral.Even as a fellow U Methodist theological thinker, who has a love for theological argument, I found myself wondering away from his run-on sentences and slow train-of-thought.

Felton's concluding chapter brings the reader back on task.She provides a realistic look at contemporary Methodism and its application of Scripture.She also reminds one of Methodism's rich heritage of biblical study and interpretation.

All-in-all I'm grateful for my daughter's gifting me this book.It is a welcomed addition to my Wesleyan library and very recommendable. ... Read more